Adjustable curtain-fixture



Patented Jan. 14, 1896.

(NQ Model.)

No.l 553,143.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK L. IVATTS, OF SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI.

ADJUSTABLE CTURTAIN-FIXTU RE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 553,143, dated January 14, 1896. Application filed April 13, 1895. Serial No. 545,648. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK L. WATTS, residing at Springiield, in the county of Greene and State of Missouri, have invented 'a new and Improved Adjustable Curtain-Fixture, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to certain improvements in curtain-fixtures; and it'primaril y has for its object to provide a simple and eective ratchet mechanism connected with the spring-roller whereby the spring can be tightened or loosened without handling the curtain, by which the spring-gear can be quickly thrown out of gear so as to permit of an easy movement of the curtain when used in connection with the usual pulley-clamp and cord devices, operated to either pull the curtain upward or downward.

Vith other objects in view, which hereinafter will be referred to, the invention consists in the peculiar combination and novel arrangement of parts, such as will be first described in detail, and then be particularly pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a perspective view of a windowframing equipped with my improved curtainiixture. Fig. 2 is a transverse section of the same, taken practically on the line 2 2 of Fig. l. Fig. is a perspective end view of the curtain-holder, illustrating the ratchet device. Fig. i is an end view of the springroller, showing the gearing set to operate in the ordinary manner. Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the said gearing adjusted to .permit of a free movement of the curtain when used in connection with the cord and pulley devices. Fig. 6 illustrates my improved devices arranged in connection with a curtain provided with cord and pulley mechanism for raising and lowering it. Fig. 7 is a view of one of the drapery-hooks detached. Fig. Sis a horizontal section of the ciirtain-iixture.

In the practical construction my improved curtain-iixture comprises a casing formed preferably of sheet metal of a shape in crosssection substantially like that shown in Fig. 2, such casing being in the nature of a longitudinal housing B, having closed ends B and head-like longitudinal edges B2, such housing being made in two sections telescopically connected, whereby it can be extended or contracted to t different widths of windowcasings.

C indicates brackets which support the casing, of which but two for ordinary-sized windows need be used, each of which is formed preferably of spring metal, with a vertical member c, slotted, as at c', a horizontal forwardly-extending clamp -arm c2, which extends under the upper end of the casing, and a shrt extension c3, in which is fitted a clampscrew D, as most clearly shown in Fig. 3. It will be seen by reference to the said Fig. 3 that by providing a bracket-support constructed as shown the curtain-support can-be quickly placed in position, made plumb and securely held in place.

One of the ends B', has a fixed journalbearing b, formed in an ornamental or rosette portion, in which bearing is adapted to be held the ro und journal a of the curtain-spring roller, while the other side Z2 has a non-circular opening D formed in the hub E of the ratchet mechanism E, the construction oi' which is most clearly shown in Figs. i and 5 of the drawings, by reference to which it will be seen the hub E has a ratchet edge e, with which is adapted to engage a double gravitypawl F pivoted to the end member b', such hub also having a large ornamental disk e2 having a milled edge, as shown.

The non-circular or stub axle g of the springgearing of the spring-roller fits in the opening D on the hub E.

So far as described, it will be readily seen the tension of the spring in the roller can be quickly and conveniently increased by turning the disk e2 without grasping the curtain.

It should be stated the disk-hub has four equispaced ratchet-teeth, so that each quarter-turn of the disk e2 will turn the member q of the curtain-fixture to a vertical or a horizontal position. It will thus be seen that when the said member g is turned to the position shown in Fig. 5 the lock-notches in stubaxle g will be so held that the dogs or pawls will not readily drop into a locked engagement therewith, and thereby permits of a free movement of the curtain up or down. Vhen, however, the parts are adjusted as shown in Fig. 4, the pawls will easily engage the notches to hold the curtain to the points desired.

IOO

The object in providing the ratchet mechanism, it will be observed, is twofold: First, it provides a simple and effective means whereby the tension of the curtain-spring can be regulated, and, secondly, it provides for adj usting the catch devices in such a manner as to permit of a free movement of the curtain, which is necessary when the curtain is secured at the lower edge of a Window to pull upward by the ordinary cord and cam pulley devices, as shown in Fig. 6.

It is manifest that While for ordinary purposes but two supports or brackets C are necessary on extra Wide Windows three or more of such brackets may be employed.

H indicates hook members which are adapted to slip over and slide on the outer bead of the casing member, which hooks have eye portions t'o support the drapery, and J indicates ornamental end pieces stamped ont of sheet metal and formed with sleeves j, where by they can be detachably slipped into the ends of the said front beads.

K indicates suitable sheetmetal guides secured on the sides of the window casingjco hold the curtain close up to the Window. Y

Having thus described my invention, what spring roller having an ordinary pintle at one` end of the rotatable bearing member having a non-circular opening to receive the noncircular pintle of the said roller, said member having an integral ratchet dislgtwo or more sets of teeth arranged at right angles to 'each other and a double gravity paWl for engaging such teeth all arranged substantially as shown and for the purposes described.

FREDERICK L. XVATTS.

Witnesses T. J. MURRAY, LEN WATTS. 

